JOBS FIRST COLLABORATIVE SPOTLIGHT


A regularly recurring roundup of news and resources for

Orange County Jobs First Collaborative members


March 12, 2024

UPDATE FROM THE WINTER CONVENING IN SACRAMENTO

The biggest news from the late February convening in Sacramento is two-fold: 1). The rebrand of CERF to California Jobs First; and 2). The Regional Investment Initiative.


Although the state has not fully built out this portfolio, California Jobs First is intended to be broader than CERF. California Jobs First is an initiative to reorient state agencies to develop and deploy resources that California’s diverse regions actually need.


The work of identifying projects that improve the triple bottom line of economic development – meaning equity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth – is the Regional Investment Initiative. This Collaborative’s mandate is to identify projects for the Regional Investment Initiative, but also prioritize regional needs beyond Triple Bottom Line Economic Development.


The other major announcement was the release of a Preliminary Regional Investment Initiative Project Criteria, which can be found here. To the question “What will the state do with this draft?,” please see the timeline below:


Timeline

  • February – March 2024: Gather feedback on project criteria and workshop with regions
  • April – May: Public comment period for draft Implementation SFP
  • May – June: Incorporate public comments
  • September: Release Implementation SFP (Rolling Basis)
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

CIELO

CIELO catalyzes hope, resilience, and stability in under-resourced communities by helping hardworking entrepreneurs transform their dreams of owning a neighborhood business into reality. Our focus is on low-income women, immigrants and Black-Indigenous-People of Color (BIPOC). We reduce opportunity-inequality by providing our target population with training, mentorship, support services, and loans that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

 

As the go-to small business support system for Orange County’s under-resourced communities, immigrants, and people of color, since our launch in 2016, we've served over 5,000 individuals and helped 400 launch businesses or become launch-ready. Through individualized entrepreneurial training and coaching, we provide resources where there are none, connections where they are scarce, and support where it’s hard to find.

 

To learn more, please visit https://cielocommunity.org/

UA Local Union 250

UA Local 250 performs heavy industrial and commercial construction. UA Local 250 performs work on pipelines, refineries, power plants, hospitals, schools, high rises, water treatment facilities, clean rooms, green hydrogen facilities, bio fuel facilities, work with carbon capture, and more. We also have a Service Tech side that performs Refrigeration work.

 

Today, United Association Local Union 250 is the 4th largest local in the United States. Based in Gardena and working throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties, UA Local 250 has a direct pathway for our service members through the "Helmets to Hardhats" program and VIP (Veterans in Piping). We also work with people of second chances looking to get back on the right track in life. We are open to all races, ethnicities, religions, and genders.

 

To learn more, please visit https://www.ua250.org/

Vital Link

Founded in 1995, Vital Link is a nonprofit organization providing career exploration programs to students and adults in our community helping to build a stronger workforce. We provide work-based learning opportunities for students to learn about career opportunities and skills to help with the success for their future careers.


We offer virtual and on-ground Career Exploration opportunities to students from the middle school to the university level, which include Project-Based Learning, Exhibit Days, Business Site Tours, College Pathway Days, Career Exploration Days, and Academies. We bring students, educators, and industry together through Career Readiness Programs. And we provide professional development for teachers, administrators, counselors, and CTE directors. 



To learn more, please visit https://vitallink.org/

UPCOMING EVENTS

Second Annual Hunger Convening


What is it?: The OC Hunger Alliance, through the Equity in OC initiative, invites you to their 2nd Annual Hunger Convening, where the goal is to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including nonprofit service providers, funders, county officials, and community leaders to collectively address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Orange County.


There will be discussions and networking opportunities at this event, and the Food Equity Collective will share the preliminary results of the recent community assessment survey.


When is it?: Wednesday, March 13 from 9:00-11:00am


Where is it?: Dwelling Place Anaheim: 5340 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim 92807


To learn more and register, please visit: You're Invited! Join Us for a Hunger Convening and Assessment Result Update Tickets, Wed, Mar 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Elevate OC Voices: Symposium for Nonprofit Election Management


What is it?: Charitable Ventures and OC Grantmakers are co-hosting this convening of nonprofits and foundations to get ready for what promises to be a dynamic and potentially difficult election season. Nonprofits have a powerful role to play in getting out the vote (GOTV) and providing nonpartisan and trusted information to the region. There will be featured speakers and discussions on: voting resources, best practices for GOTV, understanding where the “line” is for nonprofits, discussion of c3 and c4 activities.


When is it?: Thursday, March 14 from 3:00-5:00pm


Where is it?: Andrei’s Restaurant: 2607 Main St, Irvine 92614



To learn more and register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevate-oc-voices-symposium-for-nonprofit-election-engagement-tickets-794497141337?aff=oddtdtcreator

2024 Nowruz Festival & Market 


What is it?: Come join us for the Nowruz Spring Festival & Market at the Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport in Irvine. This exciting event celebrates the Persian New Year and showcases the vibrant culture of Iran. Immerse yourself in a day filled with live music, including star performer Hengameh, traditional dance performances, and mouthwatering Persian cuisine. Explore the market, where you'll find a variety of unique crafts, jewelry, and artwork. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the joy and warmth of Nowruz with friends and family. Hosted by the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce.


When is it?: Sunday, March 17 from 11:00am-6:00pm


Where is it?: Hilton Irvine, Orange County Airport: 18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine 92612


To learn more and register, please visit: https://www.ociacc.com/event-calendar/#!event/2024/3/17/nowruz-festival-market-hilton-irvine-sunday-03-17-24-11-to-6-pm

Santa Ana GROW Conference: Insights for a Thriving Future


What is it?: This dynamic event is designed for anyone interested in the continued development and economic prosperity of Santa Ana. It's a fantastic opportunity to network with key decision-makers, identify potential partners or clients, and discover new resources to support your business within the city. During this event, you will hear from key figures about real estate development, the tourism landscape, and insightful economic forecasts for Santa Ana. You’ll also learn about the latest trends and opportunities within the city.


Featured speakers include:

  • Thomas R. Hatch: Santa Ana City Manager, providing invaluable updates on major real estate projects across the city.
  • Wendy Haase: President of Travel Santa Ana, sharing unique perspectives on the growing tourism sector.
  • Wallace Walrod: Executive Vice President of the Orange County Business Council, delivering a detailed Santa Ana Economic Forecast.


When is it?: Tuesday, March 26 from 3:00-6:00pm


Where is it?: Santa Ana Elks Lodge: 1751 S. Elk Lane, Santa Ana 92705


To register, please visit: https://santaana.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/4113

Building Sustainable Communities


What is it?: Embrace the future of urban and suburban living at Sustain SoCal’s Building Sustainable Communities conference, where innovation meets sustainability to forge Smart and Sustainable Communities. In a world rapidly evolving towards urbanization, the need for intelligent and eco-conscious solutions has never been more pressing. This event brings together industry leaders from around the region to explore, collaborate, and catalyze the transformation of communities into vibrant, resilient, and sustainable hubs.


When is it?: Thursday, April 4 from 1:00-7:00pm


Where is it?: UCI Beall Applied Innovation: 5270 California Avenue, Irvine 92697-7700



To learn more and register, please visit: https://sustainsocal.org/event/sustainable-communities-2024/

OC Innovation Week


What is it?: OC Innovation Week is the premier gathering for visionaries seeking to explore and invest in the region’s cutting-edge creations. At this event, hosted by Octane and in collaboration with Orange County Business Council and UCI Beall Applied Innovation, attendees will dive into the vibrant tech and innovation landscape, connect with forward-thinking leaders and witness firsthand the best of OC’s ingenuity.


As a pivotal part of the pipeline, OC Innovation Week is where aspirations meet innovation, fostering connections and unveiling the transformative ideas poised to shape the industry. Be at the forefront of progress, celebrating accomplishments and fueling the future of innovation.


When is it?: April 29 – May 2, 2024; to view timing, please see the event agenda here


Where is it?: UCI Beall Applied Innovation: 5270 California Ave #100, Irvine 92617 and also AV Irvine: 16500 Scientific Way Irvine, CA 92618


To learn more and register, please visit: https://octaneoc.org/ociw/

TALK TO US


Have a suggestion or event you'd like to see in a future

Jobs First Collaborative Spotlight?


Email us at jbenron@ocbc.org to share your idea.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

California Ocean Protection Council’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program



Through an exciting partnership with Justice Outside, OPC’s pilot Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants program, will officially launch in March 2024.


OPC’s Equity Plan highlights the importance of advancing more inclusive and accessible funding pathways to broaden opportunities for sustainable community engagement across the State’s initiatives related to ocean and coastal projects, policies, and research. Justice Outside, a champion organization in advancing racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement, is working closely with OPC to steward the EJ Small Grants Program through their Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program


Justice Outside will host informational webinars to give interested applicants an opportunity to meet Justice Outside staff, to learn about their relationship-driven/trust-based approach to grantmaking, and to learn about eligibility details for the grant program. The final webinar will focus specifically on the application process. The webinar schedule with corresponding registration is as follows:


To learn more about this funding opportunity, please see the press release: Justice Outside Expands Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program Along the California Coast.  


Applications for grants along the California coast open March 11, 2024.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Opportunity



The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is open. Funds for this grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning and demonstration activities, as well as projects and strategies to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.


The FY 2024 NOFO has multiple deadlines, depending on the grant type:

  • April 4, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
  • May 16, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Sole deadline for Implementation Grants. Deadline #2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
  • August 29, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration Grants. NOFO closes.


Eligible applicants are: County governments, independent school districts, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, special district governments, city or township governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized).


To learn more about this funding opportunity, please visit: grants.gov/search-results-detail/352510

GET CONNECTED



Want to keep up with all things California Jobs First and/or the Collaborative? Please visit ocbc.org/cerf for information and resources.


Have a question? Please email jbenron@ocbc.org.